Question

The Soviet policy of democratic centralism maintained that

Answer 1

The Soviet policy of democratic centralism maintained that, while all members of the Communist party could participate in elections and policy discussions, the final decision on all matters belonged to the leaders at the highest levels.

At the 10th Party Congress in 1921, Lenin introduced an important concept: democratic centralism. He saw the need for new members and those in the lower tiers of the hierarchy to have a voice in meetings and discussions. Excluding them, he believed, might dissuade citizens from joining the party, and perhaps weaken its power base.

By putting democratic centralism into practice, Lenin allowed everyone to have an opportunity to have a say in any given political matter. Once a debate was over and a matter went to a vote, however, the outcome became the final judgment and everyone was expected to obey the Party's decision; no further criticism or debate was tolerated. This allowed the Communist Party to maintain its authority and keep all party members in line.

Answer 2

The Soviet policy of democratic centralism maintained that. a. the Communist Party represented the working people and, therefore, was the only party with the right to govern. ... c. capitalists used their riches to manipulate governments to serve their interests.